Long Term Mental Health Ramifications For Car Accident Victims

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), someone across the United States is injured in a motor vehicle accident every 10 seconds. Throughout the country, as many as 50 million people suffer injuries in automobile collisions every year. In 2015 alone, over 65,000 people suffered motor vehicle related injuries in the state of Illinois.

When victims suffer injuries in motor vehicle collisions, the aftermath can be devastating. From painful rehabilitation to missed time at work, recovering from a car accident injury is an incredibly difficult process. Oftentimes, recovering from a motor vehicle collision can result in unexpected complications, especially for those who suffer brain trauma. Now, recent studies suggest that those involved in even the most minor of car accidents can suffer long-term mental side effects.

Post-Accident Anxiety

According to a recent study conducted by a research group stationed in Great Britain, over one-in-three victims of car accidents suffer from post-traumatic stress and anxiety. Even when victims suffer only minor injuries, they can face long-term depression and car-related phobic behavior. In many cases, these symptoms can last over a year and thus greatly impact an accident victim's quality of life.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress include loss of sleep and depression. These symptoms can result in reckless behavior and a decline in one's work performance.

Brain Trauma

Some of the most dangerous injuries that can occur in motor vehicle accidents are those that result in long-term brain trauma. Even in low-speed collisions, victims can suffer concussions and other types of serious brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are classified according to the mechanism of injury and severity of injury, and are rated as mild, moderate, or severe. Serious brain trauma can result in life-long ramifications, as many victims of head injuries suffer symptoms for the remainder of their lives. These injuries can have long-term impacts on motor functions and may additionally result in chronic headaches, severe dizziness, sensitivity to light, and changes in both emotions and personality. 

Speak with a Compassionate Lake County Car Accident Lawyer

Injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents can result in unexpected hardships, both physically and financially. Therefore, it is wise to seek professional assistance. If you were involved in an automobile accident due to another driver's negligence, and suffered brain trauma, contact our experienced and knowledgeable team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C.. Our team will review your case and will work you to help get you the compensation you deserve. Call 847-662-3303 to schedule a personal consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2015%20Crash%20Facts%20with%20cover.pdf

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20010820/impact-of-car-accidents-can-be-long-lasting#1

https://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-TBI.htm